Indian Railways has successfully completed the electrification of the Sakleshpur–Subramanya Road section in Karnataka, one of the most challenging ghat sections in the country, marking a major milestone in railway infrastructure development.
The section, located in the Western Ghats, is characterised by steep gradients, sharp curves, heavy rainfall, dense forests, and numerous tunnels and bridges, making electrification a complex engineering task. With this achievement, Indian Railways has enhanced operational efficiency and reduced dependence on diesel traction in a difficult terrain.
Electrification of the ghat section will enable seamless electric locomotive operations, improve hauling capacity, reduce travel time, lower fuel costs, and contribute to carbon emission reduction. It also strengthens rail connectivity between coastal Karnataka and the hinterland, benefiting both passenger and freight movement.
The project aligns with Indian Railways’ broader objective of achieving 100% electrification of broad-gauge routes and promoting environment-friendly, energy-efficient transportation.